hi,
normally a sealant is not used on automotive cooling system hoses.
however....particularly on aluminum, which can corrode..
I sometimes put Permatex High Tack gasket sealer between hose and t-stat
neck.

or on other hoses too.  Kinda of a corrosion preventer and sealing enhancer.
Corrsion prevention being the main reason.

not all hose clamps are equal.
I never use the american style with sharp edges.  I don't like springey
original vanagons either.
I use good german ones , nice curled up edges...they don't cut into the
hose.

very much so...overtightening can cut or pinch a hose under a hose clamp ..
but type of clamp is important.,

also ....tightening hose clamps with a screw driver is never really good
practice.
Tighten them with a qtr inch drive socket and ratchet.
And check them for tightness once in a while .

Scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "M. Jade" <tinho2010@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 5:41 PM
Subject: Sealant necessary for coolant hoses?

I may be finding coolant leak from where the coolant hose is attached to the
thermostat housing on my 85.  It should be an easy fix by tightening the
clamp. But I am afraid that if I really clamp it down it may cause coolant
hose damage over time. I probably should take it apart and clean the metal
pipe first then re-attach the hose. My question is should I put some sealant
to aid in sealing the joint to keep it from leaking? What sealant should I
use? What comes to mind is if I use a correct sealant then I won't need to
tighten the hose clamp crazy tight to keep it from leaking. Am I right that
coolant hose can be damaged from over tightening the clamp?

MJ in sunny California